Apple is rumored to release a new 9.7-inch version of the popular iPad tablet in March.

Chinese website ZOL says its "sources" expect a fifth-generation iPad to launch in March 2013. The device will reportedly have a new design and it will be thinner and lighter than the existing model. ZOL adds that the iPad 5 will have a 9.7" display. The report also mentions a retina display of 2048 x 1536 with a 7.9-inch screen running an A6X processor.

Apple is reportedly preparing a thinner, lighter fifth-generation iPad model ahead of a March unveiling, only five months after the most recent version was released in October, claims

Japanese blog Mac Otakara also expects the release of a lighter fifth-generation iPad model in March. The publication also notes that an upgraded iPad mini is already in the works.

Apple has not commented on the rumors.

Apple's third- and second-generation iPads came out in March 2012 and March 2011, respectively, and the original hit stores on April 3, 2010.